Developing and Implementing a New Prison-Based Buprenorphine Treatment Program

Abstract

Research suggests that buprenorphine treatment may be a promising intervention for incarcerated individuals with heroin addiction histories. However, its implementation varies from corrections-based methadone because of unique challenges regarding dosing, administration, and regulation. Describing the first randomized clinical trial of prison-initiated buprenorphine treatment in the U.S., this article focuses on how these obstacles were overcome through collaboration among correctional, treatment, and research personnel. Building on the present authors' work in developing prison-based methadone treatment, and considering the lack of experience in implementing corrections-based buprenorphine programs in the U.S., this article may serve as a guide for interested corrections officials, treatment providers, and researchers.

KEYWORDS:

• buprenorphine
• prison
• substance abuse

This study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Grant R01DA021579, awarded to the first author, T. W. Kinlock. The authors would like to thank the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the staff at Glenwood Life Counseling Center, REACH, and Total Health Care for their collaboration on this study. We would also like to thank the project staff: Kathryn Couvillion, Amy Watts, and Melissa Morsell for their efforts related to this study. In addition, we wish to thank Redonna K. Chandler, PhD, Chief, Services Research Branch, Division of Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research at NIDA and Akiva Liberman, PhD, Program Official at NIDA. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00574067.